New Menopause Relief Drug Hits a Delay—But It’s Still on Track

What Bayer’s latest non-hormonal treatment means for hot flashes (and why this delay isn’t bad news).

If you’ve been waiting for more options to manage menopause symptoms without hormones, you’re not alone—and the FDA knows it.

Bayer’s highly anticipated non-hormonal menopause drug, elinzanetant, was set to be reviewed this summer. While the FDA just announced a three-month delay in its decision, here’s the good news: this is a standard extension, not a sign of concern.

💊 What is elinzanetant—and why does it matter?

Elinzanetant is a non-hormonal therapy designed to relieve moderate to severe hot flashes. It works by targeting neurokinin-1 and -3 receptors, which are part of the brain’s temperature regulation system. In plain terms? It helps reset the thermostat that's gone haywire during menopause—without relying on estrogen.

For women who can’t or don’t want to use hormone therapy (HT), options like this offer a major step forward.

📆 So, why the delay?

The FDA has pushed its review deadline to late October 2025. According to Bayer, the agency requested additional documentation—nothing unusual, and no red flags regarding safety or efficacy.

This follows closely behind the FDA’s 2023 approval of Veozah (fezolinetant), a similar non-hormonal therapy that has already helped many women find relief. If approved, elinzanetant could broaden access, drive down costs, and offer women even more choice in how they manage their symptoms.

🔍 Why this matters in real life

Let’s be honest: hot flashes, sleep disruption, and mood swings can deeply impact your quality of life. And while hormone therapy has been a go-to solution for decades, it’s not right—or safe—for everyone.

That’s why I’m so encouraged by what’s coming down the pipeline. Science is finally catching up to women’s needs, offering solutions that reflect our unique bodies and experiences.

Whether you’re hormone-averse, navigating a breast cancer history, or just exploring your options, non-hormonal treatments like elinzanetant could make a real difference.

✨ What to Do Now

• Talk to your provider: If you’re struggling with symptoms and not using hormone therapy, ask about non-hormonal options like Veozah and what may be available soon.
  
• Track your symptoms: The more you understand your body’s rhythms, the easier it is to tailor treatment.
• Stay curious: This space is changing fast—and that’s a good thing.